Ruby Jean Bowden Whaley

In Loving Memory

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ruby Jean Whaley on January 30, 2025, at the age of 84. Ruby was born on November 24, 1940, in Nashville, North Carolina, to Elmo and Lena Bowden.

Ruby was raised on a small farm with her younger brother, Earl. When she was a teenager, the family moved to Rocky Mount after her dad took a job with the railroad and sold the farm. Once Ruby graduated from high school, she went to business college and then took a job as a secretary for Nationwide Insurance in Raleigh.  This is where she met her future husband Loran, who was also working there.  After a short engagement, they got married and were married for 58 years until Loran passed away in 2020.

Ruby was a loving and nurturing wife and mother to Loran and her children. She loved spending time with her family. There are many fond memories of outings that Ruby planned.  Everything from a two-week road trip exploring the out west with the family, planning a trip to California with just herself and her children, to exploring the local science center with her grandchildren. Regardless of the event she planned, she meticulously found things that everyone needed to experience and never forget. She also believed in learning and trying something new. Her children and grandchildren can attest that a day with Mom/Granny was never a dull one as there always was an adventure to be had.

Ruby loved being outside. She was often found working in her flower beds for hours or reading a book on the front porch in the sun. Her favorite place to be outside was Myrtle Beach, SC. She would dwell in the sun and sand for hours as she sifted for unique seashells and enjoyed the natural coastal beauty. A hard day's work at the beach would naturally end in eating at one of her frequented spots. Most of these places knew her by name and could confidently know what she would order. 

Her love of Southern Gospel music was also apparent whenever you came into the house.  She always had a cd playing from the last concert she had attended. You would also hear her singing old church hymns and would come up with the perfect song for any occasion. 

Ruby was known for her devout walk with the Lord, strong will, and love for her family. Although she will be deeply missed, we know that she is reunited with her family that passed before her. More importantly, she can spend eternity with her sweet Jesus whom she has looked forward to being with. We know that we will be with her again provided by the promise of salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.

Preceded in joining the Lord: Loran Whaley (Husband), Earl Bowden (Brother), and Elmo and Lena Bowden (Father/Mother).

Ruby is survived by her sons, Gregory Whaley (Deborah) and Gary Whaley. Her daughter Gerri Arnett (James). Her grandchildren, Hannah Whaley, Sarah Hines (Thomas), Ashley Blair, and Austin Whaley.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, in Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Home’s (Kernersville) chapel. The service will begin at 2:00pm and will have a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to Gateway Church (PO Box 953, Waynesville, NC 28786, please write “Sent Initiative” in the check memo) to fund mission work and spreading the gospel abroad.

Friends and family may offer online condolences at www.piercejeffersonfh.com